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School Counselor Salary in Los Angeles, CA

School Counselor salary data for Los Angeles, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

School Counselor Salary in Los Angeles, CA — 2026

The median School Counselor salary in Los Angeles, CA is $107,900 per year ($8,992/month, $52/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 166, which is 66% above the national average.

Entry Level
$78K
$38/hr
Median
$108K
$52/hr
Senior
$133K
$64/hr
Top Earner
$149K
$72/hr

School Counselor Take-Home Pay in Los Angeles

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$107,900
Federal Tax-$15,352
State Tax (9.3%)-$10,035
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$8,254
Annual Take-Home$74,259
Monthly Take-Home$6,188

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$2,650/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio29.5%
Median Home Price$830,000
Cost of Living Index166
City Median Salary$75,200
School Counselor vs City Median+$32,700

School Counselor Requirements

Education
Master's Degree
Experience
0-3 years
Job Growth
5.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

CounselingCollege AdvisingCrisis InterventionSEL ProgramsStudent Assessment

Los Angeles Job Market Overview

Los Angeles, California has a population of 3,898,747 and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. The top industries are Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.8%, and the average commute time is 31 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average School Counselor salary in Los Angeles, CA?
The median School Counselor salary in Los Angeles, CA is $107,900 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. Entry-level School Counselors earn around $78,020, while senior-level professionals can earn $132,800 or more.
How much does a School Counselor take home in Los Angeles after taxes?
A School Counselor earning the median salary of $107,900 in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $74,259 per year ($6,188/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 31.2%.
Is Los Angeles a good city for School Counselors?
Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 166 (above national average). School Counselors here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.8% and top industries include Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a School Counselor in Los Angeles?
Key skills for School Counselors include Counseling, College Advising, Crisis Intervention, SEL Programs, Student Assessment. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree. Valuable certifications include State School Counselor License, NCC, NBPTS.
How does School Counselor salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
The national median School Counselor salary is $65,000. In Los Angeles, the adjusted salary is $107,900, which is 66.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average School Counselor salary in Los Angeles, CA?

The median School Counselor salary in Los Angeles, CA is $107,900 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. Entry-level School Counselors earn around $78,020, while senior-level professionals can earn $132,800 or more.

How much does a School Counselor take home in Los Angeles after taxes?

A School Counselor earning the median salary of $107,900 in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $74,259 per year ($6,188/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 31.2%.

Is Los Angeles a good city for School Counselors?

Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 166 (above national average). School Counselors here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.8% and top industries include Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare.

What skills are needed for a School Counselor in Los Angeles?

Key skills for School Counselors include Counseling, College Advising, Crisis Intervention, SEL Programs, Student Assessment. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree. Valuable certifications include State School Counselor License, NCC, NBPTS.

How does School Counselor salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?

The national median School Counselor salary is $65,000. In Los Angeles, the adjusted salary is $107,900, which is 66.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.